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• Forecasting Tropical Cyclones: Overview and Issues for Congress [June 16, 2020]

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  From the Summary: "Timely tropical cyclone forecasts can provide early and accurate warnings to parts of the U.S. coastline vulnerable to tropical cyclone impacts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the federal agency responsible for tropical cyclone forecasts, including track, intensity, storm surge, and rainfall forecasts. NOAA defines 'tropical cyclones' as tropical depressions, tropical storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes, and the agency makes tropical cyclone forecasts using data from multiple observational tools-- satellites, reconnaissance aircraft, ships, radar, and buoys, among others. Each year, NOAA releases outlooks for three ocean regions--Atlantic, eastern Pacific, and central Pacific. Although the outlooks typically cover all types of tropical cyclones, the agency uses the term 'hurricane' in the outlook title. The north Atlantic and eastern Pacific outlooks include the predicted number of named storms (typically tropical storm strength or stronger), hurricanes, and major hurricanes. The central Pacific outlook forecasts the total number of tropical cyclones expected. NOAA released its 2020 hurricane season outlooks for the Atlantic, eastern Pacific, and central Pacific regions in May 2020. NOAA predicts an above-normal season in the Atlantic, with 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 6 major hurricanes."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lipiec, Eva

  2020-06-16
• Flood Risk Reduction from Natural and Nature-Based Features: Army Corps of Engineers Authorities [April 27, 2020]

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  From the Summary: "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is the primary federal agency involved in federal construction to help reduce community flood risk. Congressional direction on USACE flood risk reduction activities has evolved from primarily supporting levees, dams, and engineered dunes and beaches. Since 1974, Congress has required that USACE evaluate nonstructural alternatives, such as elevation of structures and acquisition of floodplain lands, during its planning of projects. Since the mid-2010s, Congress also has directed the consideration of natural and nature-based features (NNBFs). Examples of potential NNBFs for reducing flood risk include wetlands; oyster, mussel, and coral reefs; and the combination of these natural features with hard components, such as rock and concrete. Various factors are shaping how USACE is incorporating NNBFs into its flood risk reduction projects and post-flood repair activities."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Carter, Nicole T.; Lipiec, Eva

  2020-04-27
• Space Weather: An Overview of Policy and Select U.S. Government Roles and Responsibilities [Updated January 6, 2020]

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  From the Introduction: "Space weather refers to the dynamic conditions in Earth's outer space environment. This includes conditions on the Sun, in the solar wind, and in Earth's upper atmosphere. Space weather phenomena include [1] solar flares or periodic intense bursts of radiation from the sun caused by the sudden release of magnetic energy, [2] coronal mass ejections composed of clouds of solar plasma and electromagnetic radiation, ejected into space from the sun, [3] high-speed solar wind streams emitted from low density regions of the sun, and [4] solar energetic particles or highly-charged particles formed at the front of solar flares and coronal mass ejections. [...] This report provides an overview of federal government policy developed under the existing legislative framework, and describes the specific roles and responsibilities of select federal departments and agencies responsible for the study and mitigation of space weather hazards."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lipiec, Eva; Humphreys, Brian E.

  2020-01-06
• International Joint Commission (IJC) [Updated August 30, 2019]

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  From the Document: "The International Joint Commission (IJC) was established under the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty between the United States and Canada. The treaty directs the IJC to aid in the resolution and prevention of disputes concerning the waters that cross (transboundary) or form (boundary) the international border between the two countries, known collectively as 'boundary waters'. The watersheds of these boundary waters are illustrated in Figure 1. The IJC may be asked to consider issues related to drinking water, commercial shipping, hydroelectric power generation, agriculture, industry, recreational boating, and shoreline property, among others. Congressional interest in the IJC often has focused on the IJC's scope of authority, its role in specific disputes, and funding for the U.S. portion of IJC activities."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lipiec, Eva; Sheikh, Pervaze A.

  2019-08-30
• Hurricane Dorian: FEMA and Additional Storm-Related Resources [Updated September 6, 2019]

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  From the Introduction: "On September 6, Hurricane Dorian made landfall as a category 1 storm at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. This Insight provides a brief overview of emergency and major declarations and federal assistance programs potentially available to those affected by Hurricane Dorian. It also lists resources for forecast information, hurricane and flooding information, and selected CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports on federal emergency management policy."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Reese, Shawn; Horn, Diane P.; Lipiec, Eva

  2019-09-06
• Tornadoes: Background and Forecasting [Updated May 3, 2022]

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  From the Background: "Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes affect communities across the United States every year, causing fatalities, destroying property and crops, and disrupting businesses. Tornadoes [hyperlink] are narrow, violently rotating columns of air that extend from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground, sometimes producing winds that exceed 300 miles per hour [hyperlink]. Tornadoes have been reported on all continents except Antarctica; however, they occur most commonly in North America, particularly in the United States, which reports approximately 1,200 tornadoes per year [hyperlink]. Tornadoes occur across the United States [hyperlink] but form frequently in three regions, shifting seasonally: (1) southern Plains (e.g., Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas), (2) Gulf Coast, and (3) northern Plains and upper Midwest (e.g., North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota). Tornadoes occur mostly during spring and summer [hyperlink] [...] and usually during the late afternoon or early evening. However, tornadoes can occur at any time. For example, a deadly storm system [hyperlink] with several reported tornadoes touched ground overnight and traveled from Arkansas toward the Great Lakes between December 10 and 11, 2021. Peak winds [hyperlink] of one 'long-track' tornado reached approximately 190 miles per hour. Aspects of the event were rare, such as its timing, distance traveled, and geographic location."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lipiec, Eva

  2022-05-03
• 2022 Hurricane Outlooks and 2021 Hurricane Season Review [May 31, 2022]

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  From the Document: "Many in Congress have expressed interest in increasing scientific understanding of tropical cyclones and improving forecasts to help their constituents prepare for the yearly hurricane season and potentially decrease a storm's impact on an individual or community. The Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is responsible for issuing tropical cyclone forecasts, including track, intensity, storm surge, and rainfall. [...] In May 2022, NOAA issued its initial 2022 Atlantic hurricane outlook [hyperlink], indicating a 65% likelihood of an above-normal season rather than a near- (25%) or below-normal season (10%). The predicted number of named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes was similar to the number predicted in August 2021 for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. NOAA indicated that the higher level of activity is attributed to climate factors [hyperlink], such as the ongoing periodic cooling of sea surface temperatures in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific (La Niña phenomenon), warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds, and an enhanced West African monsoon system."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lipiec, Eva

  2022-05-31
• Federal Research and Development (R&D) Funding: FY2021 [Updated September 2, 2020]

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  From the Introduction: "The 116th Congress continues its interest in U.S. research and development (R&D) and in evaluating support for federal R&D activities. The federal government has played an important role in supporting R&D efforts that have led to scientific breakthroughs and new technologies, from jet aircraft and the internet to communications satellites, shale gas extraction, and defenses against disease. [...] This report begins with a discussion of the overall level of R&D in President Trump's FY2021 budget request, followed by analyses of R&D funding in the request from a variety of perspectives and for selected multiagency R&D initiatives. The remainder of the report discusses and analyzes the R&D budget requests of selected federal departments and agencies that, collectively, account for approximately 98% of total federal R&D funding."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sargent, John F.; Croft, Genevieve K.; Esworthy, Robert . . .

  2020-09-02
• Federal Research and Development (R&D) Funding: FY2020 [Updated November 26, 2019]

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  From the Introduction: "This report begins with a discussion of the overall level of R&D [research and development] in President Trump's FY2020 budget request, followed by analyses of R&D funding in the request from a variety of perspectives and for selected multiagency R&D initiatives. The remainder of the report discusses and analyzes the R&D budget requests of selected federal departments and agencies that, collectively, account for approximately 99% of total federal R&D funding."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sargent, John F.; Cowan, Tadlock; Esworthy, Robert . . .

  2019-11-26
• Climate Change Adaptation: Department of Commerce [April 1, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Climate change affects the mission and programs of the Department of Commerce (DOC) and its agencies, and these effects are likely to continue. Congress authorizes and funds DOC's missions and programs, which are wide-ranging, with relevance to trade enforcement, economic development, innovation support, entrepreneurship and business development, standard setting, environmental monitoring, weather forecasting, marine resources management, and statistical research and analysis Given the diversity of DOC's responsibilities, how climate change may affect DOC and its activities varies. [...] This report provides an overview of selected DOC statutory authorities, executive orders, and departmental and agency guidance related to climate change adaptation activities. Each section contains a brief background of the department or agency and an overview of its climate change adaptation activities. The report also presents information on DOC spending on climate change adaptation where available. The last section of the report discusses potential issues for Congress to consider related to climate change adaptation activities and spending. This report is not intended to be a comprehensive review of DOC's climate change activities--the information should be considered illustrative rather than exhaustive."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lipiec, Eva

  2021-04-01
• Water Resource Issues in the 117th Congress [March 12, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "This report covers broad categories of water resource topics that the 117th Congress may consider--projects and activities of USACE [U.S. Army Corps of Engineers] and Reclamation, as well as related issues such as Indian water rights settlements, international waters shared with Canada and Mexico, and water resource science at USGS [U.S. Geological Survey]. It also provides information on crosscutting topics, including support for aging and new water resource projects, protection and restoration of the environment, efforts to facilitate flood resilience and natural and nature-based infrastructure, and groundwater recharge."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Stern, Charles V.; Carter, Nicole T.; Sheikh, Pervaze A. . . .

  2021-03-12
• Forecasting Tropical Cyclones: Overview and Issues for Congress [Updated August 11, 2020]

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  From the Document: "Timely tropical cyclone forecasts can provide early and accurate warnings to parts of the U.S. coastline vulnerable to tropical cyclone impacts. Recent hurricane seasons have included several major hurricanes--such as Dorian in 2019 and Florence, Lane, Michael, and Olivia in 2018--which resulted in multiple deaths and billions of dollars of damage in the southeastern United States and Hawaii, among other places. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the federal agency responsible for tropical cyclone forecasts, including track, intensity, storm surge, and rainfall forecasts. NOAA defines 'tropical cyclones' as tropical depressions, tropical storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes, and the agency makes tropical cyclone forecasts using data from multiple observational tools--satellites, reconnaissance aircraft, ships, radar, and buoys, among others."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lipiec, Eva

  2020-08-11
• Marine Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs): Background, Statutory Authorities, and Issues for Congress [September 27, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Marine harmful algal blooms (HABs) have affected and likely will continue to affect U.S. coastal communities. HABs may affect human, animal, and ecosystem health and may have socioeconomic consequences. [...] This report concentrates on marine HABs, although there may be overlap between marine and freshwater HAB types in places where rivers meet the ocean. The report provides background on marine HABs, including their effects, factors that may contribute to their development, and geographic incidence and trends. It then discusses federal agency, interagency, and interorganizational activities to address marine HABs. Finally, the report offers several issues for Congress to potentially consider, including an evaluation of federal marine HAB-related activity expenditures, an assessment of federal performance and coordination regarding marine HABs, the establishment of new or adjustment of existing marine HAB authorities and funding, and other concerns."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lipiec, Eva

  2021-09-27
• Drought Response and Preparedness: Policy and Legislation [Updated June 4, 2021]

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  From the Document: "In recent years, large areas of the United States have been subject to drought. In addition to estimates of average annual losses from drought of $9 billion for agriculture, the effects have included dwindling water supplies for rural households and water use restrictions in urban areas. As of mid-2021, the western United States is in the midst of its most severe drought since the early 2000s, with some areas facing their driest years on record. Some experts have raised concerns about the availability of water supplies and the drought's impacts on forests and other flora and fauna. Congress and other policymakers are confronted with how to prepare for and monitor droughts, how to mitigate drought-related consequences, and who should bear responsibility for these actions. Historically, drought response and preparedness have been shaped by state and local actions, federal drought assistance, and federal dam operations, among other factors. [...] The need for and benefits of drought preparedness may be growing. [...] Broadly at issue are the overall federal role and the adequacy of current federal efforts to mitigate drought. Some in Congress may question federal programs' effectiveness in addressing drought, as well as the drought preparedness of federal facilities and emergency-response entities. Other potential areas of focus include the adequacy of--and accountability for--state and local drought planning and resilience efforts. Federal assistance in augmenting water supplies and constructing new water storage projects (including groundwater recharge) also may be of interest."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Stern, Charles V.; Carter, Nicole T.; Stubbs, Megan . . .

  2021-06-04
• Federal Research and Development (R&D) Funding: Fy2023 [June 10, 2022]

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  From the Introduction: "The 117th Congress continues its interest in U.S. research and development (R&D) and in evaluating funding for federal R&D activities. The federal government has played an important role in supporting R&D efforts that have led to scientific breakthroughs and new technologies, from jet aircraft and the internet to communications satellites and defenses against disease. In recent years, federal budget caps have driven executive and legislative branch decisions about the prioritization of R&D, both in the context of the entire federal budget and among competing needs within the federal R&D portfolio. [...] This report begins with a discussion of the overall level of R&D in President Biden's FY2023 budget request, followed by analyses of R&D funding in the request from a variety of perspectives and for selected multiagency R&D initiatives. The remainder of the report discusses and analyzes the R&D budget requests of selected federal departments and agencies that, collectively, account for approximately 99% of total federal R&D funding."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Croft, Genevieve K.; Harris, Laurie A.; Lipiec, Eva . . .

  2022-06-10
• Nature-Based Infrastructure: NOAA's Role [January 2, 2020]

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  From the Document: "The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) currently supports natural, nature-based, or green infrastructure and other related types of features (hereinafter referred to as nature-based infrastructure) as part of its statutory mandates to support, research, restore, and conserve natural resources. [...] This report describes how NOAA characterizes nature-based infrastructure and the agency's current activities supporting research and implementation of nature-based infrastructure. The report also discusses potential issues for Congress including (1) definitions of nature-based infrastructure in statute, (2) NOAA's authority to support nature-based infrastructure, (3) how NOAA coordinates with other federal agencies and nonfederal entities on nature-based infrastructure activities, and (4) how NOAA funds nature-based infrastructure activities and its total nature-based infrastructure-related expenditures."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lipiec, Eva

  2020-01-02
• 2019 California Wildfires: Brief Overview of FEMA Programs and Resources [November 1, 2019]

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  From the Document: "This Insight provides a brief overview of current Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declarations and federal assistance programs that may be available. The National Weather Service (NWS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides fire weather outlooks intended to delineate areas of the continental United States where 'preexisting fuel conditions, combined with forecast weather conditions during the next eight days, will result in a significant threat for the ignitions and/or spread of wildfires.' [...] NWS reports that various portions of California have experienced or are expected to experience weather conditions, including Santa Ana winds, which are conducive to igniting and spreading wildfires as well as making those wildfires difficult to suppress or contain. [...] Section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act; P.L. 93-288, as amended; 42 U.S.C. §§5121 et seq.) authorizes the President to declare a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Regional Administrators have been delegated the authority to authorize an FMAG because of the need to expedite assistance when the threat of a major disaster exists. [...] FMAGs have been authorized in 2019 for multiple wildfires, including the Kincade, Getty, Tick, Easy, Hill, 46, and Hillside Fires."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Webster, Elizabeth M.; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Horn, Diane P. . . .

  2019-11-01
• Marine Debris: NOAA's Role [Updated April 23, 2020]

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  From the Document: "Researchers have found marine debris, especially plastic items, to have some effects on humans, wildlife, and the environment, but the extent of these impacts is currently unclear. Congress has directed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or the Secretary of Commerce (through NOAA) to lead federal government efforts to address marine debris and has enacted additional marine debris-related legislation in recent years. Members of Congress are considering further NOAA provisions, and other federal agency actions, to support marine debris prevention efforts, domestically and internationally."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lipiec, Eva

  2020-04-23
• Federal Research and Development (R&D) Funding: FY2022 [Updated November 17, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "The 117th Congress continues its interest in U.S. research and development (R&D) and in evaluating support for federal R&D activities. The federal government has played an important role in supporting R&D efforts that have led to scientific breakthroughs and new technologies, from jet aircraft and the internet to communications satellites, shale gas extraction, and defenses against disease. In recent years, federal budget caps have driven executive and legislative branch decisions about the prioritization of R&D, both in the context of the entire federal budget and among competing needs within the federal R&D portfolio. [...] Congress plays a central role in defining the nation's R&D priorities as it makes decisions about the level and allocation of R&D funding--overall, within agencies, and for specific programs. As Congress acts to complete the FY2021 appropriations process, it faces two overarching issues: the amount of the federal budget to be spent on federal R&D and the prioritization and allocation of the available funding. This report begins with a discussion of the overall level of R&D in President Biden's FY2022 budget request, followed by analyses of R&D funding in the request from a variety of perspectives and for selected multiagency R&D initiatives. The remainder of the report discusses and analyzes the R&D budget requests of selected federal departments and agencies that, collectively, account for approximately 99% of total federal R&D funding."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sargent, John F., Jr.; Croft, Genevieve K.; Gallo, Marcy E. . . .

  2021-11-17
• Federal Research and Development (R&D) Funding: FY2022 [Updated September 13, 2021]

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  From the Introduction: "The 117th Congress continues its interest in U.S. research and development (R&D) and in evaluating support for federal R&D activities. The federal government has played an important role in supporting R&D efforts that have led to scientific breakthroughs and new technologies, from jet aircraft and the internet to communications satellites, shale gas extraction, and defenses against disease. In recent years, federal budget caps have driven executive and legislative branch decisions about the prioritization of R&D, both in the context of the entire federal budget and among competing needs within the federal R&D portfolio. The U.S. government supports a broad range of scientific and engineering R&D. Its purposes include addressing national defense, health, safety, the environment, and energy security; advancing knowledge generally; developing the scientific and engineering workforce; and strengthening U.S. innovation and competitiveness in the global economy. Most of the R&D funded by the federal government is performed in support of the unique missions of individual funding agencies."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sargent, John F., Jr.; Croft, Genevieve K.; Gallo, Marcy E. . . .

  2021-09-13
• Drought in the United States: Science, Policy, and Selected Federal Authorities [September 16, 2021]

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  From the Document: "Drought―a deficiency of moisture that results in adverse effects―occurs to some extent almost every year in areas of the United States. Droughts can simultaneously reduce available water supplies and increase demands for water. Drought has the potential to affect economic and environmental conditions on local, regional, and national scales, as well as to cause disruptions in water supplies for households and communities. Droughts are a component of climate variability and may be seasonal, multiyear, or multi-decadal in duration. According to an August 2021 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on the physical science of climate change, variable precipitation and rising temperatures are intensifying droughts in some U.S. regions. According to the report, certain types of droughts, such as those causing agricultural impacts, are expected to be more likely in the western and central regions of the United States in the future."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Stern, Charles V.; Lipiec, Eva; Benson, Lisa S. . . .

  2021-09-16
• Tornadoes: Background and Forecasting [December 13, 2021]

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  From the Background: "Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes affect communities across the United States every year, causing fatalities, destroying property and crops, and disrupting businesses. Tornadoes [hyperlink] are narrow, violently rotating columns of air that extend from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground, sometimes producing winds that exceed 300 miles per hour [hyperlink]. Tornadoes have been reported on all continents [hyperlink] except Antarctica; however, they occur most commonly in North America and particularly in the United States, which reports approximately 1,200 tornadoes per year [hyperlink]. Tornadoes occur across the United States [hyperlink] but form most commonly in three regions, shifting seasonally: (1) southern Plains (e.g., Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas), (2) Gulf Coast, and (3) northern Plains and upper Midwest (e.g., North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota). Depending on geographic location, tornadoes occur mostly during spring and summer [...] and usually during the late afternoon or early evening. However, tornadoes can occur at any time. For example, a deadly storm system [hyperlink] with several reported tornadoes, including a 'significant long track tornado,' touched ground overnight in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee between December 10 and 11, 2021. Preliminary estimates [hyperlink] report that peak winds of the long-track tornado reached between 158 and 206 miles per hour. Aspects of the event were rare, such as its timing, potential track length, and geographic location."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lipiec, Eva

  2021-12-13
• 2021 Hurricane Outlook and Review of 2020 Hurricane Season [October 13, 2021]

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  From the Document: "The potential for widespread storm destruction to the United States underscores the value of timely tropical cyclone forecasts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is responsible for issuing tropical cyclone forecasts, including track, intensity, storm surge, and rainfall. [...] NOAA releases seasonal hurricane outlooks relevant to the United States, including the north Atlantic, eastern Pacific, and central Pacific oceans, before each hurricane season begins. Although outlook titles refer to hurricanes, outlooks include information on potential named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes. The Atlantic and central Pacific seasons run from June 1 through November 30; the eastern Pacific season begins May 15. Tropical cyclones, however, may form outside of these timeframes. In August, NOAA typically updates the Atlantic outlook but not the Pacific outlooks. Multiple nonfederal entities also publish outlooks. These forecasts rely, in part, on NOAA's collected and shared information."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lipiec, Eva

  2021-10-13
• Merida Initiative: Examining United States Efforts to Combat Transnational Criminal Organizations, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representative, One Hundred and Tenth Congress, Second Session, June 5, 2008

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  From the opening statement of Loretta Sanchez. The purpose of this hearing is to "examine the efforts, goals and the possible implementation of the Me´rida Initiative and its role in reducing crime and drug trafficking in Mexico and in Central America. […]Recently, the United States has seen a rise in the operations of sophisticated crime organizations that have little regard for law enforcement and for our border officials. […] With the increase of violence from drug cartels on the Mexican side of the border in places like Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, it is appropriate to be concerned about how this is affecting our citizens here in the United States. Many drug cartels contract out to transnational gangs such as Mara Salvatrucha and the 18th Street Gang to smuggle drugs and people into the United States and to smuggle weapons and ammunition out of the United States. […] The Me´rida Initiative proposal was developed to stop these operations by implementing comprehensive cross-border communication and collaboration. Interagency cooperation among and inclusion of all agencies that work on our borders and with foreign governments is essential for the success of this proposal. […] This committee would like to see a commitment from all involved agencies that communication and collaboration are and will continue to be on the forefront of this initiative." This hearing "The Merida Initiative: Examining United States Efforts to Combat Transnational Criminal Organizations, before the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representative, One Hundred and Tenth Congress, Second Session on June 5, 2008 included statements from Loretta Sanchez, a Representative in Congress from California, and Chairwoman, Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism and Mark E. Souder, a Representative in Congress from Indiana, and Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2008
• S. Rept. 115-86: Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act, Report Together with Additional Views to Accompany S. 512, May 25, 2017

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  "The objectives of S. 512 are to reform the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's budget and fee recovery structure to increase transparency and accountability, to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to develop regulations to enable the efficient licensing of advanced nuclear reactors, to establish a DOE [Department of Energy] program to provide cost-shared grants to reduce the cost burden of NRC licensing, and to improve the economic viability of domestic uranium recovery by reducing regulatory burden and government competition in uranium sales."

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2017-05-25
• Future of Nuclear Power, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate, September 14, 2016

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  This is the September 14, 2016 hearing titled "Future of Nuclear Power" before the Senate Committee on Appropriations. From the opening statement of Lamar Alexander: "Today, we'll discuss the importance of nuclear power, the biggest challenges facing it, the status of the Department of Energy's nuclear research and development--and we certainly welcome Secretary Moniz here to help us do that--and things Congress can do to support nuclear power. [...] By 2038--that's 20 years from now--48 reactors will be 60 years old, representing 40 percent of the nuclear generating capacity in the United States. The U.S. could lose half of our reactors if existing licenses can't be extended from 60 to 80 years when those reactors close. There are nine reactors, three in the Northeast at seven sites, which are scheduled to shut down by 2025. The Energy Information Administration estimates that shutting down these nine reactors will result in a 2-percent increase in total carbon emissions from the U.S. electricity sector. There are four new reactors being built, all in the Southeast. [...] In a time when 20 of the world's leading science academies and many Americans say climate change is a threat and that humans are a significant cause of that threat, nuclear power produces about 60 percent of our country's carbon-free electricity. Power plants produce about 40 percent of the carbon produced in our country." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Ernest J. Moniz, Judd Gregg, Jay Faison, John Deutch, Alan S. Icenhour, and Matthew McKinzie.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2016-09-14
• Trump Administration's Foreign Policy: A Mid-Term Assessment, Hearing Before the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, First Session, February 27, 2019

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  This is the February 27, 2019 hearing on "The Trump Administration's Foreign Policy" held before the U.S. House Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs. From the Opening Statement of Eliot L. Engel: "As we have so far, this committee will continue to grapple with the most immediate and critical challenges around the world. At the same time, I think it is important that we take a step back and look more broadly at the overall state of American leadership and foreign policy and to lay out our own vision and ideas." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Madeleine K. Albright.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2019
• Department of Justice to Guantanamo Bay: Administration Lawyers and Administration Interrogation (Rules Part I), Hearing Before the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties of the Committee of the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred and Tenth Congress, Second Session, May 6, 2008

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  From the opening statement of Jerrold Nadler. "hearing will begin the Subcommittee's investigation of the role of Administration lawyers in formulating the rules for conducting interrogations. The Subcommittee has been investigating this Administration's interrogation policies and will continue to do so. […]How we got this point, what is the legal basis for these actions, and what are the asserted parameters of these policies, these are the subjects of this first in a series of hearings. […]today we hear from experts in the field who will discuss what is known, or what the private investigations have been able to discern, and what the law says about that information. […] this is the first in a series of hearings and that we will in subsequent hearings receive testimony from those individuals who played a central role in the formulation and the implementation of these policies." This hearing "Department of Justice to Guantanamo Bay: Administration Lawyers and Administration Interrogation (Rules Part I)", before the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties of the Committee of the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred and Tenth Congress, Second Session, on May 6, 2008 included statements from Jerrold Nadler, a Representative in Congress from New York, and Chairman, Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, Trent Franks, a Representative in Congress from Arizona, and Ranking Member, Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil, John Conyers, Jr., a Representative in Congress from Michigan, Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, and Member, Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, David B. Rivkin, Jr., Partner, Baker Hostetler, LLP, David J. Luban, Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law, Marjorie Cohn, Professor of Law, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, President, National Lawyers Guild, and Philippe Sands, Professor of Law, University College London, Barrister, Matrix Chambers.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2008
• Diplomatic Assurances and Rendition to Torture: The Perspective of the State Department's Legal Advisor, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred and Tenth Congress, Second Session, June 10, 2008

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  From the opening statement of William D. Delahunt. "the topic of diplomatic assurances. And […] how the [State] Department interprets its obligations under the Convention Against Torture and FARRA, the implementing legislation passed by Congress in the 1990s. And how diplomatic assurances are invoked in that context. Diplomatic assurances […] refers to the commitment another country makes not to torture a particular individual we decide to send them under a variety of various scenarios. Under the Convention Against Torture and FARRA, [the U.S. is] obligated not to send someone to a country where there will be torture. […]How does the Bush administration attain that is assurances before sending someone to a country with a poor human rights record? How do you assess their sufficiency? Who makes the call on whether or not they are accepted? Who exactly is the administration willing to take assurances from? And what can you do to ensure that the other side, the other nation, maintains its side of the bargain? Well, that is today's purpose. That is the purpose of this hearing." The hearing "Diplomatic Assurances and Rendition to Torture: the Perspective of the State Department's Legal Advisor", before the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred and Tenth Congress, Second Session, on June 10, 2008 includes a statement from John B. Bellinger, III.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2008
• Ensuring Homeland Security While Facilitating Legitimate Travel: The Challenge at America's Ports of Entry: Field Hearing Before the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Second Session, January 3, 2008

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  From the opening statement of Bennie G. Thompson: "Today we'll hear testimony from Government witnesses about the challenges they face in keeping our Nation secure while also facilitating legitimate travel and trade throughout ports of entry. We will also hear testimony from local stakeholders who are directly affected by increasing wait times at bridges in this growing border community. I look forward to the discussion because it is increasingly apparent that there is a growing problem in America's ports of entry. Last year America witnessed the well-publicized Andrew Speaker incident. A patient with a very serious strain of tuberculosis was able to re-enter the United States through a northern border port of entry, though he should have been detained. We know that the Speaker incident was not an isolated one. In addition, a recent Government Accountability Office report revealed that thousands of unauthorized individuals entered the United States through ports of entry in a single year. At the same time the lines to enter the United States continue to get longer, which El Pasoans and residents living along both our Nation's land borders know all too well. It is important to note that the overwhelming majority of Customs and Border Protection officers and other personnel at our ports of entry are dedicated individuals working under extraordinarily difficult conditions for relatively low pay." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Bennie G. Thompson, Thomas S. Winkowski, Lurita A. Doan, Richard M. Stana, Bob Cook, Colleen M. Kelley, Kathleen Campbell Walker, Victor Carrillo, John F. Cook, Richard E. Dayoub, Eliot Shapleigh, Dan Stamper, and Miguel Teran.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2008